The European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (EuroCham Vietnam) today inaugurated the 2022 Green Economy Forum & Exhibition (GEFE) to support Vietnam in meeting its COP26 commitments.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and EuroCham Vietnam representatives at GEFE
GEFE also strives to achieve the development goals set out in its National Green Growth Strategy for 2021-2030. Academics, innovators, students and policy makers from Europe, Vietnam and Southeast Asia will participate in panel discussions, an exhibition and business-to-business and business-to-government discussions during this ambitious three-day event.
On the first day of the three-day program, nearly 500 attendees listened to leaders from business, government and non-governmental organizations from Europe and Vietnam participate in an opening plenary conference.
In his remarks at the plenary conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said that due to Vietnam’s position as one of the vulnerable countries to climate change, the country is committed to strengthening climate resilience and green development. He added that to combat climate change and develop a circular, digital economy, policies should aim to improve the lives of all citizens.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also said he hoped the European Union and its financial institutions would support the development of advanced technology, green capital and workforce training in Vietnam.
European Commissioner Sinkevičius gave his opinion on the bilateral cooperation between the EU and Vietnam and the European Union’s current initiatives in the field of climate resilience, circular economy and biodiversity. “The European Union and Vietnam work very closely together on several issues…but we need global action – at all levels and within this decade – for a world that is climate neutral, nature positive and resilient,” said Commissioner Sinkevicius.
In his speech, EuroCham President Alain Cany spoke about GEFE’s 2022 core purpose and vision: “I know in my heart that Vietnam can only achieve a robust green transition through a transformation of the whole society that reimagines how people live and how to approach economic development. To achieve this, the European and Vietnamese governments, the private sector and the public sector must work together. If we do not do this fully and immediately, we will surely fail. GEFE 2022 can and will help this process accelerate through the strength of our bilateral partnership,” said Cany.
In addition, a panel discussion was held with representatives of domestic and international companies involved in the green transition, especially in the fields of energy, sustainability, transport and finance, on “Green Economy: Vietnam’s Biggest Development Opportunity”.
The three-day event will take place from November 28 to 30 and visitors will have the chance to experience the exhibition with more than 150 exhibitors showcasing the latest green solutions and innovations. Exhibitors include multinational corporations, top Vietnamese companies, start-ups, SMEs and other organizations from Europe, Vietnam and the region.
Over 30 conference sessions and panel discussions, with over 150 expert speakers from over 20 different green sectors. Among the topics discussed will be the circular economy, green tourism, renewable energy, smart cities, sustainable agriculture, water treatment and more.